Episode 55

The Mutual Broadcasting System brings you another episode of Life in Hyperion.

Today's episode: "Believe Me When I Tell You", Part 1

Yesterday, we ended our fourth serial of the series with Polly's second public performance, which went well.  We also saw Conrad have his second discussion with the melted Darlene, which also went well.  All in all, the serial came to a close, but a moment of apprehension on Conrad's part opens the door to more worry and discourse as we head forward.
Today, however, we begin with something unusual.  As we begin, we journey back through the mist of time...

-------------------------------------------------------------------

It is December of 1994, and young Cy and Conrad stroll down the streets of New York City on their way home from school. The sidewalks and store fronts are decorated for the Christmas season at hand.

"Christmas comes only once a year, doesn't it, Cy?" asks Conrad.

"I don't know. Isn't Christmas on the 25th?" says Cy.

"I know, but you need time to get your shopping done before then." says Conrad.

"Is that the meaning of Christmas?" asks Cy.

"I don't know. It seems so, Cy." says Conrad.

"Why should I ask you?" asks Cy.

"I have no idea, Cy." says Conrad.

"That's the point. Every year at this time, I keep wondering what the true meaning of Christmas is." says Cy.

"Maybe you should ask your mother." says Conrad.

"I think I'll do that when I get home." says Cy.

At home, Cy's mother, Debralee Scott, is busy placing ornaments on a Christmas tree. In the reflection of one, she spots the entry of her 11-year-old son.

"Welcome home, Cy. How was school?" says Debralee.

"Just fine, Mama. Same old, same old." says Cy, putting down his bookbag.

"That's good to know." says Debralee.

"Mama, can I ask you a question?" asks Cy.

"Why, sure you can, son." says Debralee.

"What's the meaning of Christmas?" asks Cy.

"Why do you ask that?" asks Debralee.

"Because me and Conrad were walking home today and we saw all the decorations up." says Cy.

"And that got your little mind going?" asks Debralee.

"That it did, Mama." says Cy.

"Well, Cy, there are many meanings to Christmas." says Debralee.

"But which one should I believe in?" asks Cy.

"Cy, I guess the most basic meaning is that Christmas is a time to spend with those that love you very much." says Debralee.

"Like you, Mama?" asks Cy.

"Yes, and your father." says Debralee, pointing to a sleeping man on the couch.

The man is dressed in a faded denim jacket, with a dark gray t-shirt and faded blue jeans, with a couple of patches sown in them. His face is very bearded and worn.

"Good ol' Dad. He looks so peaceful." says Cy.

"Even when he sleeps." says Debralee.

"When do you think we should wake him?" asks Cy.

"Not until he finishes rounding the next curve." says Debralee.

As Cy's father, Mitch, lays sleeping, he mumbles in a low voice once in a while.

"I think he's finished." says Cy.

"Then go wake him, Cy." says Debralee.

Cy then runs his way over to the couch and nudges at Mitch a bit. Cy keeps nudging until Mitch stirs from his slumber at last.

"Is that you?" asks Mitch in his Tennessee drawl.

"Yes, Dad." says Cy.

"Little Cy, me boy. Back home from school I see?" says Mitch.

"Right, Dad." says Cy.

"Why did you awaken me, son?" asks Mitch.

"It's time to trim the tree." says Cy.

"How can I turn something like that down?" says Mitch.

"Over here, Mitch." says Debralee.

"And how's been the bearer of my son?" asks Mitch as he gets off the couch.

"You've only been napping." says Debralee.

"But it was a good nap." says Mitch.

"After all those nights on the road, you need one." says Debralee.

"You can't blame me, I was born a truck drivin' man." says Mitch.

"That you are, Dad." says Cy.

"Now, what if Cy wanted to follow in your footsteps?" asks Debralee.

"Well, if he listens to you, he won't." says Mitch.

"I don't know how to take that." says Debralee.

"Just take it and trim the tree." says Cy.

"I guess we can't argue for long when we have our son in the room." says Mitch.

"That I agree." says Debralee.

"Time to trim the tree, you guys." says Cy.

Cy, Debralee, and Mitch all take their time in trimming the tree, enjoying the activity well, with laughs and many jokes being told. All that occurs as the scene makes its way back to the present day, where Cy is busy napping in the green room's easy chair.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Next week, Cy stirs from his nap, a few more flashbacks to times past, a mysterious visitor out of the past, and strange goings-on.  Sounds like a interesting time in Hyperion, doesn't it?
 
Join us, won't you?
Yours truly, John Maxwell.
 
A production of WGN Chicago.  All rights reserved.

NOTE: At this time, we would like to wish a happy 90th birthday to radio station WWJ in Detroit, Michigan.  This first commerical radio station has reached an important milestone and we here would like to congraduate WWJ on reaching this milestone. 
To our fans in the Detroit area, call in to WWJ and wish them a happy birthday!